effective
ih-FEHK-tihv
Effective (adj) means producing the intended result; actually working. Example: “A simple chart proved an effective way to keep the team on track.”
adj
1
Producing the intended result; actually working.
"A simple chart proved an effective way to keep the team on track."
"The new medication proved effective against the infection."
"Regular practice is the most effective way to learn a language."
2
Officially in force or operation as of a stated time.
"The ticket price change becomes effective at the start of next month."
"The agreement was effective immediately after both parties had signed it."
"The new rules are effective from next Monday."
How to use effective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that works, gets the job done, or (for rules/dates) officially starts applying.
Common mistake
Effective means it produces the desired result; efficient means it does so without wasting time, effort, or resources. A plan can be effective but very inefficient.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
effective immediately
highly effective
cost-effective
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like effective.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- effectives
- Comparative
- more effective
- Superlative
- most effective
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A simple chart proved an _____ way to keep the team on track.
Etymology
From French effectif, based on Latin efficere, "to bring about" or "accomplish" — the same root that gives us "effect" and "efficient."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for effective
See all rhymes for effective →Frequently asked questions
What does “effective” mean?
The word “effective” means producing the intended result; actually working. In plain terms, something that works, gets the job done, or (for rules/dates) officially starts applying.
How do you pronounce “effective”?
“Effective” is pronounced ih-FEHK-tihv (/ɪˈfɛktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “effective” in a sentence?
Here is “effective” used in a sentence: “The new medication proved effective against the infection.”
What part of speech is “effective”?
“Effective” is an adjective.
Where does the word “effective” come from?
The word “effective” comes from Latin. From French effectif, based on Latin efficere, "to bring about" or "accomplish" — the same root that gives us "effect" and "efficient.".
Is “effective” a common word?
“Effective” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “effective” have?
“Effective” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: producing the intended result; actually working.
What is the difference between effective and efficient?
Effective means producing the intended result — it works. Efficient means producing that result with little wasted time, effort, or money. A method can be effective but inefficient, like heating a room by leaving the oven on: it warms the place, yet it wastes energy. Efficiency is about how economically you succeed.
What is the difference between effective and affective?
Though they sound alike, the meanings differ. Effective means working or producing the intended result. Affective is a more technical word relating to moods, feelings, and emotions, as in 'affective disorders.' If you mean that something succeeds or works, the word you want is almost always effective.
What is the opposite of effective?
The direct opposite is ineffective — failing to produce the intended result. Related antonyms include useless, fruitless, and unproductive. Where effective marks something that works and achieves its aim, these words describe efforts that fall short and leave the goal unmet.
What is an example of effective?
You might say, 'The new policy was highly effective at cutting waiting times,' or 'a simple but effective solution.' In each case the thing described actually achieves what it set out to do — the test of whether something is effective is results, not effort or intention.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include effective:
